Quest Aircraft is debuting the new Timberline interior for its Kodiak single-engine turboprop at the show where it announced a dozen orders for the ten-seat aircraft from China's Blue Eagle Aviation Investment Management, China. Deliveries the Beijing-based distributor will begin next month and continue through 2015.

"This is a significant milestone for Quest," said Steve Zinda, director of sales and marketing. "China and the entire Asia-Pacific Rim offer strong market potential for the Kodiak, as the multi-mission capability and efficiency of the aircraft are well-suited to this region. This first delivery will help us raise awareness of the Kodiak and enhance our sales efforts in this part of the world."

Blue Eagle Aviation was named an authorized Kodiak dealer in July as part of Quest's growth strategy to partner with local organizations. "The company has focused on regions of the world where the metal aircraft is certified or pending certification, along with those areas with the most market potential," says Quest. Chinese certification is earmarked for year-end.

Quest is working on enhancements to the utility's aircraft Timberline and Tundra interiors and is confident the new cabins will boost the appeal of the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6-powered aircraft when they become available in 2013."Enhancements to the Timberline cabin include replacing the Kydex panels with composite panels, which will contribute to a weight reduction and should improve the useful load," says Zinda,

"We have also refined the headliner and enhanced the soundproofing," he says, Other enhancements include storage pockets to the sidewall in the cockpit an the cabin and restyled cockpit chairs.

Source: Flight Daily News